The Alberta government has made tweaks to a provincial crowdfunding platform, first launched in 2021, that helps non-profits more easily tap into provincial dollars.

Dozens of organizations are listed on the Crowdfunding Alberta Program website, a largely unknown platform that helps groups tap into the collective power of Albertans wishing to give while accessing matching funds from the province.  

Since its inception in 2021, the site has helped 205 organizations raise more than $1 million. That’s included $191,000 in matching grants from the province.

“We find it’s a great way for people to be able to go on to the website, review these various non-profit organizations that are doing incredible work and just make it easy and efficient for Albertans to donate,” Minister of Arts, Culture and the Status of Women, Tanya Fir, told LWC.

The platform can be accessed year-round, according to the province, and campaigns can generate up to $5,000 in matching provincial funds. In 2023, the Alberta government contributed nearly $150,000 to these campaigns.

“We look at it as another tool or channel to stimulate generosity, stimulate charity, stimulate philanthropy,” Minister Fir said.

When asked about government support in general for non-profit organizations and whether it should be necessary to tap into Albertans goodwill to help keep organizations afloat, Fir said they are already putting $130 million into grant programs like the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) and the Community Initiatives program.

“An interesting stat; for every CFEP grant dollar invested into a community up to $3 is raised by that community,” Fir said.

“There’s multiple tools and avenues in my ministry to support the outstanding work of non-profits.”

Calgary connection to non-profit funding portal

Calgary-area groups that have benefitted from the platform include the Alberta River Surfing Association, the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, the Calgary Climate Hub and the Calgary John Howard Society.

The annual Sled Island Music and Arts Festival is another that’s been onboard with the Crowdfunding Alberta platform.

“In the current economic landscape, fundraising is becoming increasingly important for non-profit organizations to make ends meet,” said Maud Salvi, executive director of Sled Island, in a news release.   

“Sled Island has used the Crowdfunding Alberta platform for the past two years and the funds we’ve raised through it, both from individual donors and the Government

of Alberta, has been essential to helping us continue to deliver world-class cultural experiences for Albertans.”

Fir said some non-profit organizations that may not specifically qualify for the bigger grants like CFEP and CIP can still raise valuable dollars through the platform.  She also said donors can have peace of mind knowing they’re giving to reputable organizations, as all campaigns are pre-screened.  

“We can assure donors that their money is going to trusted organizations and a cause that they support,” she said.

“We want to have as many different avenues and ways possible and our government, we’re proud to support the work that non-profits do to help keep building vibrant communities.”